The dust has settled on the 2025/2026 season in Dallas, and now we officially know who will be returning to wear the maroon and gold next season.

This news creates interesting conversations around Dallas Trinity FC’s squad heading into next season and some clear team needs that the club will likely be targeting in the coming weeks.

Let’s get into it.

Dallas Trinity FC: Back Like They Never Left

Lexi Missimo

U.S. Women’s Youth National Team star midfielder Lexi Missimo is back with Dallas Trinity FC for the 2026 season. Since arriving in Dallas, she has recorded 4 goals and 3 assists, and she’ll be looking to build on that total next year.

One of those goals came against Lexington in March, when Missimo curled a stunning free kick over the wall and into the back of the net. It was the kind of moment that reminded everyone just how dangerous she can be from a dead-ball situation.

Dallas retains one of the league’s premier set-piece threats, meaning opponents will continue to have plenty to worry about whenever a free kick is awarded near the box.

Camryn Lancaster

If there was one player Dallas could count on for offensive production last season, it was Camryn Lancaster.

Leading the team in total goal contributions, Lancaster consistently found ways to impact games regardless of the result. The former TCU standout has established herself as Dallas’ most dangerous attacking weapon, and with changes throughout the roster, she could be poised for an even bigger role in 2026.

Heather Stainbrook

Returning for a second season in Dallas is Washington Spirit loanee Heather Stainbrook.

After joining the club in January, Stainbrook quickly became a key piece in midfield, starting 11 matches and helping fuel Dallas’ playoff push. Despite arriving midway through the campaign, she still managed two goals and an assist, proving she could contribute on both sides of the ball.

With Dallas continuing to stockpile talent in midfield, Stainbrook’s return only strengthens one of the team’s deepest position groups.

Jasmine Hamid

After making a seamless transition from Fort Lauderdale United, Jasmine Hamid quickly became one of Dallas’ most impactful midseason additions.

Our Player of the Year honorable mention appeared in seven matches for Dallas and immediately helped stabilize the squad. Since her arrival, DTFC has lost just two matches, while Hamid chipped in with a goal and an assist of her own.

For a player changing clubs in the middle of the season, she never looked out of place, and that should be exciting news heading into 2026.

Wayny Balata

Few players filled up the stat sheet quite like Wayny Balata.

The team leader in tackles ranked near the top in virtually every defensive category while also providing an offensive spark with two goals and two assists. Balata started 22 of Dallas’ 28 regular-season matches and became one of the club’s most reliable midfield presences.

For a team already loaded with midfield talent, retaining Balata is another major win.

Lauren Flynn

Dallas is bringing back one of its most versatile defenders in Lauren Flynn.

After joining the club in January, Flynn quickly established herself as a valuable piece of the back line. In just nine appearances, she scored twice, both from corner kicks, while also providing steady defensive play.

Part defender, part aerial threat, part Swiss Army knife, Flynn gives Dallas flexibility in multiple areas of the pitch.

Sydney Cheesman

After arriving in March, Sydney Cheesman is back for what will be her first full season with Dallas Trinity FC.

Cheesman appeared in nine matches last season, making four starts along the way. With only a handful of defenders currently confirmed to return, her role could grow significantly heading into 2026.

The opportunity is there, and Cheesman will look to make the most of it.

Cyera Hintzen

Some players simply never come off the field, and Cyera Hintzen is one of them.

Hintzen started all 28 regular-season matches and Dallas’ playoff game, recording seven clean sheets and two assists along the way. She is already tied for second in all-time appearances for the club and could very well move into sole possession of first place next season.

As one of the most experienced and respected players in the locker room, Hintzen’s leadership may prove just as valuable as her play on the field. 

Dallas Trinity FC Team Needs

This DTFC squad is far from complete. Let’s take a look position by position where needs still remain:

Goalkeeper

No goalkeepers have been linked to the club yet, but the need is obvious.

Tyler McCamey  put together an excellent stint in goal this past season. Her speed and reaction time helped place her near the top of the league in saves despite playing only about half the season. That trend has also been true for other successful teams in the league. With McCamey moving on to FC Barcelona Femení, finding a goalkeeper who fits a similar mold should be at the top of the priority list for Dallas.

Defense

Another major area of need is the defense. As things currently stand, Lauren Flynn and Cyera Hintzen are the only defenders currently named to the roster.

Dallas needs wingbacks. Fast, agile, athletic players who can deliver quality crosses while also holding their own defensively if they become the last line of defense. A balance of defensive awareness, athleticism, and passing ability would do wonders for a team looking to break into the league’s upper echelon, not just in clean sheets, but also in goals scored and overall possession-based statistics.

That attacking profile at wingback would also increase the need for some hard-nosed, no-nonsense central defenders. Dallas needs players who are fundamentally sound, strong in challenges, and comfortable organizing the back line. At the same time, they need to be serious aerial threats, not just when attacking corners, but more importantly when defending them. Set pieces were an area where Dallas conceded more goals than they would have liked over the past two seasons.

Midfield

The midfield, meanwhile, is already loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. The next step  is building depth. Additional quality in midfield could open the door to some interesting midfield-heavy formations next season and give Dallas more tactical flexibility throughout a shortened campaign.

Attack

And finally, the attack.

Dallas has been spoiled over the last two seasons with goal-scoring machines like Allie Thornton and Bethan Bos. It would be well within the script for the club to continue that tradition by bringing in another pure goal scorer. Alongside Camryn Lancaster and Jasmine Hamid, the opportunities to score should come in bunches.

The ideal striker would be powerful, quick, and clinical in front of goal. Whoever Dallas ultimately signs could very well find themselves in Golden Boot conversations sooner rather than later.

Looking Forward

Dallas Trinity FC has positioned itself to be aggressive this offseason. After back-to-back playoff appearances, the expectation naturally shifts.. With more players to be signed, can the club take the next step and reach its first ever final and potentially compete for a championship? 

Tune in this Fall to find out!